Departure from average temperatures for Feb. 27, 2014, as forecast by the GFS model. (Source: Data/image obtained using Climate Reanalyzer™ http://cci-reanalyzer.org, Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, USA.)

But as in previous episodes, that’s only part of the story, as the graphic above illustrates. It shows the forecast departure from normal temperature over the Northern Hemisphere. Notice that while the eastern half of the United States is shivering, large parts of the higher latitudes are considerably warmer than normal.

Once again a loopy jet stream is to blame. Click on the thumbnail at right to see what it looks like.

The map shows the jet stream as forecast by the GFS model for today. A sharp trough of low pressure has dropped down across much of the eastern half of the United States, opening to door for Arctic air to spill south.

The latest Arctic blast comes on a day when the Royal Society and National Academy of Sciences have released an overview of climate change, written in non-scientific language and targeted at general audiences. I’m sure pundits will use the cold temperatures some people are experiencing in the United States to deride the report. But as the map above shows, they will be telling only part of the story.

The new report addresses the issue of cold snaps in a warming world. Here’s part of what it has to say:

Global warming is a long-term trend, but that does not mean that every year will be warmer than the previous one. Day to day and year to year changes in weather patterns will continue to produce some unusually cold days and nights, and winters and summers, even as the climate warms.

The report provides a clear, straightforward and relatively concise overview of the evidence for climate change, and what’s causing it. I recommend that you check it out, and also pass it along to anyone you know who is puzzled about the issue — including anyone shivering under the latest blanket of Arctic air and wondering what happened to global warming.

CBS News : Two Weeks In Sochi Is Climate – 50 Years In The Northern Hemisphere Is Weather

CBS NEWS

February 27, 2014, 10:14 AM Could climate change mean the end of skiing?

The Sochi Olympics suffered some of the most extreme weather of any Winter Games. Athletes faced fog, rain and temperatures in the 60s. Research predicts that could become the new reality at ski resorts around the world. Porter Fox, the author of a controversial new book, “Deep: The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow,” believes winter sports could be doomed.

Could climate change ruin the winter sports industry? – CBS News

Winter snow extent across the northern hemisphere has been increasing for 50 years, with five of the six snowiest winters since 2003.

Rutgers University Climate Lab :: Global Snow Lab

There is not one shred of evidence to support the CBS News contention.

Daniel Lowe

I think the CBS News people will have a hard time finding your comment here, perhaps you should comment on their page instead?

Tom Yulsman

I was scratching my head about these comments, since I’ve only written about Sochi once — in a post featuring satellite images of the ski mountains. And I said nothing about weather or climate. So yes, commenting on the CBS web site would be more appropriate!

That said, I find that it’s quite common for people with passionate opinions about climate to put words in my mouth and thoughts in my head. Seems to come with the territory these days.

Buddy199

I’d be interested to see how you factually respond to his point rather than snarking him and evading it.

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ImaGeo

ImaGeo is a visual blog focusing on the intersection of imagery, imagination and Earth. It focuses on spectacular visuals related to the science of our planet, with an emphasis (although not an exclusive one) on the unfolding Anthropocene Epoch.

About Tom Yulsman

Tom Yulsman is Director of the Center for Environmental Journalism and a Professor of Journalism at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He also continues to work as a science and environmental journalist with more than 30 years of experience producing content for major publications. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Audubon, Climate Central, Columbia Journalism Review, Discover, Nieman Reports, and many other publications. He has held a variety of editorial positions over the years, including a stint as editor-in-chief of Earth magazine. Yulsman has written one book: Origins: the Quest for Our Cosmic Roots, published by the Institute of Physics in 2003.